South threatens Pyongyang

South Korea will attack Pyongyang if the North launches a strike against Seoul, a high-ranking defense official has said.

Guidelines amounting to tit-for-tat operations have been drawn up in the event attacks take place against the South, the official said yesterday.

South Korea: "will immediately retaliate in the event of North Korean aggression,â€ť he added.

Previously, Seoul said it would mount retaliatory strikes at the sources of provocation and any supporting units.

But now the South is promising to repay any hostile act in kind, which could involve attacking North Korean cities.

Defense officials say that the South has the capability to hit key North Korean facilities, including its nuclear and missile sites.

The defense ministryâ€™s statement comes amid heightened tension following the Northâ€™s announcement it intends to put a satellite into orbit this month on the back of a long range missile. Other countries believe Pyongyang wants to conduct a long-range missile test.

The North has also issued threats against the South over perceived insults against its new leader Kim Jong-un

A member of the bishopsâ€™ sub-committee for aid to North Korea has meanwhile called for both sides to look at ways of easing tensions.

The priest, who did not wish to be named, said it is â€śonly natural for a country to respond immediately to protect its citizens,â€ť but things should not be allowed to get that far.

He called for more exchanges at group and government level to thaw the frosty ties between the two Koreas.